Stuck On What To Do Next

[YoungDisciple]

I just recently started recording vocals onto my computer, and now I am into the mastering part of finishing the track. Right now I am using a Behringer B-1 microphone, a M-Audio MobilePre USB preamp, 4 Theater Research TR-1610 Digital Series speakers, and using Cool Edit as my recording software.

The only problem that I have is on what to do next with the vocals that I record. All I usually do is use the Noise reduction and then compress them. But after I do that, I get stuck on what to do next. I dont even know how the vocals are suppossed to sound and how to process them so that they sound good.

I would appreciate some help.

[Farview]

why do you need noise reduction on the vocals?

[YoungDisciple]

Bleed from the headphones and there is a slight hiss that is in the background also

[Farview]

don't worry about the bleed from the headphones (unless you are using open backed ones) Where is the hiss coming from? I'm starting to get the impression that you are singing very quietly.

[YoungDisciple]

Well, the hiss comes from the room. I have a light in there that has a buzz to it. And the room is not sound proof. I just use it as an enclosure

[Farview]

pull the mic into a closet (leave some of the clothes in it to absorb the sound) and track in there. Then listen to the vocal track with the music, and figure out what isn't working.
In case you were wondering, there are no magic settings on compressors and eqs, and there are no magic boxes that make everything that passes through sound wonderful. Everything has a use, if you can determine the problem, there is a tool to make it better, but don't try to fix things that are not broke.

[YoungDisciple]

For some reason I can never get the vocals to fit on top of the track perfectly.

[Rockr56]

It's difficult for most people to mix there own vocals first of all, but don't forget vocals are SUPPOSED to be out front. Now getting them to sit nicely in the mix is another story. A little plate reverb with a bit of pre delay will help. I'll bet you could find lot's of good info if you did a search on this board for "mixing vocals" Good luck.

[glynb]

Buzz Light-in-yer-ear?

Sorry current resist!

Seriously though, why not buy a plug in desk lamp or something and turn off the offending noisy light. That is a problem you could do something about at low expense? It's easier to tackle a problem like a noisy light at source than try to clean it up afterwards once recorded.

[YoungDisciple]

I have a flouresant (however you spell it) desk lamp.

[VU-1]

Originally Posted by YoungDisciple

I have a flouresant (however you spell it) desk lamp.

Run an extension cord to another plug somewhere on another circuit. Its likely the same ground, but you might get lucky and lose the buzz...

[HangDawg]

Originally Posted by YoungDisciple

I have a flouresant (however you spell it) desk lamp.

Turn it off!

[Farview]

Originally Posted by YoungDisciple

I have a flouresant (however you spell it) desk lamp.

Flourecent lights are the Devils work in any studio situation. The only thing that will introduce more noise into you equipment is neon. Go incandescent.